New York, September 30, 2024 – The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) signed a significant cooperation agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday to enhance the water and sanitation sector in the Kassala and Gedaref states of the Republic of Sudan. This collaboration took place on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly and is a part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to provide vital humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities worldwide.
The agreement was formalized in the presence of Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, and Achim Steiner, Director-General of the UNDP. Valued at $3.5 million, this initiative is set to directly benefit 833,520 individuals and indirectly support an additional 5 million people. The project represents a critical step in addressing the severe water shortages and sanitation challenges faced by these regions, ensuring access to clean and safe water for hundreds of thousands of people.
As part of the project, solar-powered systems will be installed at ten new water plants to ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly water supply. In addition, the number of water distribution points will be increased to improve access for communities. Water collection and storage containers will be distributed to the most vulnerable families, along with water treatment tablets to ensure the safety of drinking water.
Furthermore, hygiene kits will be provided to families in need, while handwashing materials will be distributed to 54 schools and local clubs. To promote the importance of hygiene and sanitation, informational publications will reach approximately 10,000 people, raising awareness about personal hygiene practices crucial for disease prevention.
This agreement is part of a broader series of humanitarian and relief projects spearheaded by KSrelief, particularly focused on the water and environmental sanitation sectors. These projects are designed to improve the quality of life, provide sustainable environmental solutions, and help curb the spread of diseases and epidemics in countries in need. The collaboration between KSrelief and UNDP reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to improving living conditions and fostering sustainable development in underprivileged regions across the globe.*